Underworld & Archetypes Fully Illustrated
By James Bennett & David KiddPublisher Description
1. "This book is a gem and a rare view at what is most repressed in typical judeo-christian culture. Combining clear and nicely composed language with amazing imagery really brings the wisdom contained here into focus. If you want to explore the "other" side of a light-seeking culture, the Yin, the dark feminine, darkness as source, inner riches, grounding and depth, this book is for you." ~ Laurence Hillman, archetypal astrologer. www.lhillman.com
2. James Bennett simply and powerfully describes archetypes, those mysterious symbols that seem to grab all of us. He adds another dimension to the Joseph Campbell historical perspective because Mr. Bennett describes how they can unconsciously lead us astray if we are too interested interested in spaceships and other things "out there" and forget the sacredness of the earth. It is vividly illustrated with both ancient and modern images. This book is short and intense. I am reading it for a second time. It is a keeper." ~ Richard Zeisse
3. "Mythological journeys to the Underworld exist in many different cultures. Their recurrence suggests their importance and necessity with regard to human experience. Psychotherapist James Bennett explores this subject .. of the descent and ascent of Persephone in Greek Mythology. I have long-held the belief that these stories of Underworld journeys, although on one level are metaphors for seasonal changes, also speak much about our own moments of crisis. I resonated wholeheartedly with the book's message that despite the pain and struggle that accompany such dark and difficult psychological descents, there is a deep value in the process with much to be gained......
A psychotherapist of many years' experience, it is clear that James understands deeply our reticence to trust in this challenging process - there is nothing romantic or fun about pain and suffering - however, this great little book is both a useful signpost and a source of reassurance, suggesting that we are well-equipped for the journey, that the descent is a core part of our humanity and an experience we will all share.
Underworld and Archetypes is short in length but massive in wisdom. James Bennett writes with clarity and insight about a complex and intriguing subject. It is a perfect introduction to anyone unfamiliar with these fascinating myths and how they might serve to guide and enlighten our path. It is also an inspiring read for those veterans of the Underworld amongst us who know the myths and have the lived the journey but might need an encouraging reminder of its gifts. With a fascinating Bibliography and some lovely illustrations, Underworld and Archetypes is an enjoyable read I highly recommend."~ Maria Ede-Weaving, a Druid wordpress.about
4. "It is a beautiful book; the images are stunning."~ Mike Box, Jungian Studies, Saybrook University
5. I've loved the Greek mythology since childhood and Jungian therapy even before I began psychiatry, so I felt very at home with the text. What also fascinated me was the approach of the Art Director to match the illustrations with the text; the images gave me much pleasure and I appreciate the variety of the ones he chose. The way he displayed them on each page is also lovely, as they seem to be in a dialogue with the 2, 3, or 4 others the reader sees when the book falls open." ~ Jose, University psychotherapist
6. "An incredibly compelling journey. You don't need to have experienced it to benefit from the profound words and insights of this academic and spiritual author." ~ Review on Amazon
7. "Beautifully illustrated, a book that yearns to be discussed with book groups or friends." ~ Carol Murphy
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About James Bennett
James Bennett, born 1949, grew up in a tiny village on the North Downs, England. Bennett found a lifelong love of words, poetry and thinking outside the box. He went on to study English Literature at Cambridge University in the turbulent mind-expanding late 1960's. Bennett took to Buddhist meditation, Jungian Psychology and the Sufi Order International. After graduating 1971 he travelled with Sufis to the Glastonbury Fayre to attend that epic festival of music and spirituality. There he met the publisher of this book who invited him to move to Edinburgh, Scotland, to help run Gandalf's Garden Seed Center, a mystical discussion center that accepted all insights.
For there Bennett's interest in dream led him to Dr. Winifred Rushforth, a pioneer in dream groups, who combined a Jungian perspective with eclectic spirituality. Bennett then helped in the creation of the Salisbury Centre, that still offers meditation, yoga and tai chi, crafts, dream groups and the study of mystical writings from all religions.
Bennett next felt drawn to psychotherapy. To gain a solid background in a helping profession he entered a two year intensive Social Work graduate program at Edinburgh University, 1974- 1976. Bennett then worked as a psychiatric social worker training in family systems therapy. Next while working at a psychiatric hospital he also studied psychodynamic therapy, the human potential movement, and attended workshops with Bly, Meade and Hillman of the Men's Movement. In 1982 he came to USA for a certificate-training program in Gestalt Therapy in Boston, MA. There he met his current wife Judy and settled there. After working for seven years in a Boston Addictions Treatment Centre, Bennett became an independent practitioner with a licensed private practice in Arlingto. MA.
Bennett has maintained a passionate interest in dreams, mythology, eco-psychology, archetypal psychology and male psychology, and this book has emerged from the disparate experiences of a searching life, in an attempt to understand his and our place in the wider universe of which we are a part.
Other books by James Bennett
David Kidd
David Kidd was born 1945 in a tiny village on the Pennines, West Yorkshire, U.K. As a child loved drawing. Along with Rock n Roll and CND Nuclear Protesing he excelled in Applied Math and Drafting, so started University in Engineering. But a cerebral aneurism bleed reduced his math abilities and speech, so he switched to Edinburgh College of Art instead and settled on Graphic Design. Graduating BFA in 1970 he was hired by educational book publisher Blackie & Son, and later became head book designer for W&R Chambers.
That being the turbulent mind-expanding late 1960's, Kidd was guided to try meditation with the Sufi Order. And later he met Muzz Murray who asked him to host Gandalf's Garden Seed Center, a mystical discussion center. In 1971 he travelled with the Sufis to the Glastonbury Fayre spiritual festival. There he met a like-minded stranger, James Bennett, and invited him to help run the Garden and help lost young people find the light
Then Kidd's son Jez arrived, so he had to look for a paying job. He found one doing Point of Sale Advertising, but that was a strange and he yearned to get back to Books. And in 1978 he did get back in, as book production studio manager at VAP, Oxford, then Medicine International; illustrations for Antiquarian Book Monthly Review.
But spiritual life was not working, less and less made sense, he got depressed but fortunately met old Sufi friends who had moved on to the Beshara school for intensive esoteric education. Kidd found studying theology not only settled all his problems but there he met his wife. They moved to USA, San Francisco Bay area. There he studied computer publishing and produced educations books for the largest publishers in the world. After the 'quake of 19991 he moved up to Portland, OR, and learned website technology. The advent of on-demand printing made it finally possible for Kidd to found his own publishing company, Goldenaer, striving to maintain clear communication of concepts and to deliver attractive solutions.
Other books by David Kidd
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